Storage and charging equipment

Abstract

A storage device for storing an energy storage device that is removably installed on an electric power device using electric power, the storage device comprising a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing energy storage devices; and a second housing that has a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device, and is formed separately and independently of the first housing. The first housing may further have a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the energy storage device to / from the storage unit. The second housing may further have a second control unit that determines, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit to / from which the energy storage device is attached or detached, and transmits, to the first control unit, the determined storage unit as an attaching / detaching storage unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device and a charging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses that in a battery charging device provided with multiple charging units for charging multiple batteries each having an individual rental ID, the battery charging units and the battery ID reading unit are provided separately. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] General Disclosure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-090348

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage device. The storage device stores, for example, a power storage device. In the storage device, the power storage device is detachably attached to, for example, a power device that uses electric power. The storage device includes, for example, a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage devices. The storage device includes, for example, a second housing formed separately and independently from the first housing, having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device.

[0004] In the above storage device, the first housing may have a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the power storage device to or from the storage unit. In the above storage device, the second housing may have a second control unit that determines, from among the multiple storage units, a storage unit to which the power storage device is to be attached or detached, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as a detachable storage unit. In the above storage device, the first control unit may have an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality in the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the above storage device, when the storage unit determined as the detachable storage unit matches a storage unit for which the abnormality acquisition unit has acquired an abnormality, the first control unit may transmit to the second control unit (i) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the power storage device is prohibited from the storage unit, and / or (ii) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the power storage device cannot be performed from the storage unit.

[0005] In the above storage device, the first housing may have a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device. In the above storage device, the first control unit may control charging of the power storage device via the second terminal. In the above storage device, the second control unit may determine a storage unit from among the multiple storage units that will charge the power storage device and transmit the determined storage unit to the first control unit as a charging storage unit. In the above storage device, the first control unit may have an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality in a storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the above storage device, when the storage unit determined as the charging storage unit matches a storage unit for which the abnormality acquisition unit has acquired an abnormality, the first control unit may transmit to the second control unit (iii) information indicating that charging of the power storage device in the storage unit is prohibited and / or (iv) information indicating that charging of the power storage device in the storage unit is not possible.

[0006] In the above storage device, the first housing and the second housing may be installed separately from each other. In the above storage device, the first housing and the second housing may be connected to each other by a communication line. In the above storage device, the second housing may have an information providing unit that provides information to a user of the storage device. In the above storage device, the second housing may have an identification unit that identifies a user of the storage device. In the above storage device, the second housing may have an input unit that receives input from a user of the storage device.

[0007] In the above storage device, the first housing may include a status acquisition unit that acquires a status of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the above storage device, the abnormality acquisition unit may acquire an abnormality related to the status or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the status acquired by the status acquisition unit. In the above storage device, the abnormality may include at least one of the temperature of the storage unit and the temperature of the power storage device stored in the storage unit being within a predetermined range.

[0008] In the above storage device, the first housing may include a status acquisition unit that acquires a status of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the above storage device, the second control unit may transmit a control signal to the first control unit for controlling the operation of the storage unit. The second control unit may transmit a control signal to the first control unit for controlling the operation of the storage unit based on a request from an external information processing device. In the above storage device, the first control unit may decide whether to execute an operation corresponding to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit based on the status of the storage unit or the power storage device acquired by the status acquisition unit. In the above storage device, the first housing may include an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality related to the status or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the status acquired by the status acquisition unit. In the above storage device, the first control unit may decide not to execute an operation corresponding to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit when the abnormality acquisition unit acquires an abnormality. In the above storage device, the number of second housings may be smaller than the number of first housings.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging device. The charging device charges, for example, a power storage device. In the charging device, the power storage device is detachably attached to, for example, a power device that uses electric power. The charging device includes, for example, a first housing having (i) a plurality of charging units each having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, and (ii) a first control unit that controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal. The charging device includes, for example, (i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the charging device, and (ii) a second housing having a second control unit that determines, from the plurality of charging units, a charging unit that will charge the power storage device and transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as the determined charging unit. In the charging device, the second housing is, for example, formed separately from the first housing.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, a program is provided. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program may be provided. The program may be a program for causing a computer to function as the first control unit or the second control unit according to the first aspect or the second aspect. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method in the storage device according to the first aspect or the charging device according to the second aspect.

[0011] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of a battery management system 100. [Figure 2] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the mobile battery 20. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of a battery station 120. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of the internal configuration of the control unit 336 and the control unit 376. [Figure 7] 10 shows an example of the internal configuration of the onboard equipment 330. [Figure 8] 10 shows an example of the internal configuration of the onboard equipment 370. [Figure 9] An example of the command is as follows: [Figure 10] 10A and 10B show an example of settings relating to whether or not a command can be executed. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B show an example of settings relating to whether or not a command can be executed. [Figure 12]3 shows an example of the internal configuration of a computer 3000. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar parts, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0014] (Overview of Battery Management System 100) 1 schematically illustrates an example of a system configuration of a battery management system 100. In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 includes one or more (sometimes simply referred to as one or more) battery stations 120 and a management server 140. In this embodiment, the battery station 120 includes one or more storage units 122 and a communication unit 126. In this embodiment, the storage unit 122 includes one or more slots 124. In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 includes a communication interface 128. In a single battery station 120, the number of communication units 126 may be fewer than the number of storage units 122. This can save space, cost, and / or power consumption, which can ultimately contribute to energy efficiency.

[0015] In this embodiment, each component of the battery management system 100 operates by consuming power received from the power grid 12. The components of the battery management system 100 can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a communication network 14. The one or more storage units 122 and the communication unit 126 can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a wired or wireless communication line (not shown).

[0016] In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 manages one or more (sometimes referred to as one or more) mobile batteries 20. For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, in this embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 will be explained using as an example a case where the battery management system 100 provides a sharing service of the mobile batteries 20 to users 40 of electric motorcycles 30.

[0017] In this embodiment, each of the one or more slots 124 arranged in the storage unit 122 of the battery station 120 can store one or more mobile batteries 20. Also, each of the one or more slots 124 arranged in the storage unit 122 of the battery station 120 can charge one or more mobile batteries 20.

[0018] A user 40 who has subscribed to a sharing service for the mobile battery 20 accesses the battery management system 100 using, for example, a communication terminal 42 and requests the rental of a mobile battery 20. The user 40 may reserve the rental of the mobile battery 20 by specifying the date, time, and location at which the user wishes to rent the mobile battery 20, as well as the number of mobile batteries 20 that the user wishes to rent. The communication terminal 42 may access the battery management system 100 via the communication network 14, or may access the battery management system 100 via the battery station 120. The user 40 may also operate the battery station 120 to request the rental of a mobile battery 20.

[0019] When the request is accepted, the user 40 can remove the mobile battery 20 stored in the battery station 120 (sometimes referred to as dispensing the mobile battery 20). This allows the user 40 to exchange the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 for the mobile battery 20 stored in the battery station 120.

[0020] More specifically, the user 40 removes the mobile battery 20 that is attached to the electric motorcycle 30 from the electric motorcycle 30. The user 40 returns the mobile battery 20 that has been removed from the electric motorcycle 30 to the battery station 120. When the user 40 returns the mobile battery 20, the battery station 120 dispenses the charged mobile battery 20 that is stored in the battery station 120. The user 40 receives the charged mobile battery 20 from the battery station 120 and attaches the charged mobile battery 20 to the electric motorcycle 30. In this way, the mobile battery 20 is exchanged between the electric motorcycle 30 and the battery station 120.

[0021] (Outline of each part related to the battery management system 100) In this embodiment, the communication network 14 transmits information. The communication network 14 may be a wired communication transmission path, a wireless communication transmission path, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission path and a wired communication transmission path. The communication network 14 may include a wireless packet communication network, the Internet, a P2P network, a dedicated line, a VPN, a power line communication line, etc.

[0022] The communication network 14 may include (i) a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network, or (ii) a wireless communication network such as a wireless MAN (e.g., WiMAX (registered trademark)), a wireless LAN (e.g., WiFi (registered trademark)), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication). Wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and NFC may be examples of short-range wireless communication.

[0023] In this embodiment, the mobile battery 20 stores electric energy. The mobile battery 20 may be configured to be detachable from the electric motorcycle 30 (sometimes referred to as being detachable). The mobile battery 20 may be configured to be detachable from the battery station 120. This allows the user 40 to exchange the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 for the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120.

[0024] In one embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is attached to the electric bike 30 and supplies power to the electric bike 30. As described above, the mobile battery 20 may be detachably attached to the electric bike 30. In another embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is charged by the battery station 120 while it is housed in the battery station 120.

[0025] The mobile battery 20 may supply power to the battery station 120 while housed in the battery station 120. This allows the battery station 120 to use a portion of the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120 as, for example, an uninterruptible power supply (sometimes referred to as a UPS).

[0026] In this embodiment, the electric motorcycle 30 is equipped with a mobile battery 20. The electric motorcycle 30 may be equipped with a plurality of mobile batteries 20. The electric motorcycle 30 uses power stored in the mobile batteries 20. For example, the electric motorcycle 30 runs by consuming power supplied from the mobile batteries 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the communication terminal 42 transmits and receives information to and from each unit of the battery management system 100 via the communication network 14. The communication terminal 42 may function as a user interface when the user 40 accesses the battery management system 100. The communication terminal 42 may be used for user authentication processing by the battery management system 100.

[0028] Examples of the communication terminal 42 include a personal computer and a mobile terminal. Examples of the mobile terminal include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a tablet, a notebook computer or laptop computer, and a wearable computer.

[0029] In this embodiment, the battery station 120 accommodates the mobile battery 20. The battery station 120 may accommodate a plurality of mobile batteries 20. This allows the battery station 120 to store one or more mobile batteries 20. In this embodiment, the battery station 120 charges at least one of the one or more mobile batteries 20. The battery station 120 may charge the mobile battery 20 until the charging rate or voltage of the mobile battery 20 reaches a predetermined set value.

[0030] In this embodiment, the battery station 120 makes the fully charged mobile battery 20 available for removal (sometimes referred to as dispensing). In response to a request from the user 40, the battery station 120 may dispense a mobile battery 20 that meets the request. The battery station 120 may obtain information indicating dispensing conditions, which are conditions related to the mobile battery 20 to be dispensed, from the management server 140, and may determine the mobile battery 20 to actually be dispensed from among the mobile batteries 20 that meet the dispensing conditions.

[0031] In another embodiment, the battery station 120 may discharge at least some of the multiple mobile batteries 20. The battery station 120 may use the power output by discharging the mobile batteries 20. For example, the battery station 120 operates by consuming the power output by discharging the mobile batteries 20. When the battery station 120 operates by consuming the power output by discharging one mobile battery 20, it may stop or interrupt the charging operation of the other mobile batteries 20. Even in this case, the battery station 120 may continue the dispensing operation of the mobile batteries 20.

[0032] This allows the battery station 120 to use some of the mobile batteries 20 housed in the battery station 120 as an uninterruptible power supply. According to the battery station 120 of this embodiment, for example, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery station 120, the power supply to the control device can be continued. As a result, for example, the battery station 120 can continue to dispense the mobile batteries 20. Therefore, even if the battery station 120 is installed in an area where power outages occur relatively frequently, for example, an environment in which batteries can be replaced stably can be provided.

[0033] In this embodiment, the storage unit 122 holds a plurality of slots 124. In this embodiment, the storage unit 122 is formed separately from the communication unit 126. The storage unit 122 may be installed apart from the communication unit 126, or may be installed adjacent to the communication unit 126.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage unit 122 generates a processing flow including one or more processes for controlling the operation of at least one of the multiple slots 124 based on a first command transmitted from the communication unit 126. The storage unit 122 determines whether each of the one or more processes is executable. For a process determined to be executable, the storage unit 122 generates a second command for controlling the slot 124 that is the target of that process. The storage unit 122 controls the operation of the slot 124 based on the generated second command. This can restrict the execution of some of the instructions indicated by the first command.

[0035] For example, if one or more of the above processes includes an operation related to the safety of the mobile battery 20 or the safety of the user 40 or maintenance personnel of the battery station 120, the storage unit 122 determines whether a condition permitting the execution of the safety-related operation is met. If it is determined that the above condition is met, the storage unit 122 determines that the process is executable. As a result, the operation of the slot 124 is controlled based on a second command related to the above process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the above condition is not met, the storage unit 122 determines that the process is not executable. In this case, the second command related to the above process is not sent to the slot 124.

[0036] This ensures the safety of the mobile battery 20, the user 40, or the maintenance personnel even when the communication unit 126 outputs the first command based on a request from the management server 140. For example, even if the state of the battery station 120 changes after the management server 140 sends the request, the management server 140 can cancel the request if the communication environment of the battery station 120 is good. However, if the communication environment of the battery station 120 is not good, it may take some time for the management server 140 to cancel the request. According to this embodiment, the storage unit 122 determines whether to execute the second command based on the state of the battery station 120, so the battery station 120 can cancel or suspend the execution of some processes without waiting for a cancellation request from the management server 140.

[0037] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of slots 124 stores one or more mobile batteries 20. Furthermore, each of the plurality of slots 124 has electrical terminals (not shown) that are electrically connected to electrical terminals (not shown) of one or more mobile batteries 20. This allows each of the plurality of slots 124 to charge or discharge the mobile batteries 20 stored therein.

[0038] Note that "electrically connected" does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly physically connected. A third element may be interposed between the two elements. Furthermore, it does not necessarily mean that the two elements are physically connected. For example, the input winding and output winding of a transformer are not physically connected, but are electrically connected. This allows the slot 124 to support not only wired charging and discharging of the mobile battery 20, but also wireless charging and discharging of the mobile battery 20.

[0039] Each of the multiple slots 124 may include a communication terminal communicatively connected to the communication terminals of one or more mobile batteries 20. The communication method between the communication terminal of the slot 124 and the communication terminal of the mobile battery 20 may be a wired communication method or a wireless communication method. This allows each of the multiple slots 124 to read information from and write information to a storage device (not shown) of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot.

[0040] In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is responsible for information processing in the battery station 120 that involves at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140. For example, the communication unit 126 receives a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 and responds to the request. When the communication unit 126 determines that cooperation with the storage unit 122 is necessary to process a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140, the communication unit 126 transmits an instruction (sometimes referred to as a command) to the storage unit 122. The above-mentioned first instruction may be an example of an instruction.

[0041] If the communication unit 126 can process requests from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 without cooperating with the storage unit 122, the communication unit 126 does not need to send commands to the storage unit 122. This simplifies information processing in the storage unit 122. The communication unit 126 can perform, for example, communication control processing with the outside of the battery station 120, authentication processing for the user 40, and selection processing for the slot 124, without cooperating with the storage unit 122.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is formed separately from the storage unit 122. The storage unit 122 may be installed apart from the communication unit 126 or may be installed adjacent to the communication unit 126.

[0043] The communication interface 128 is configured to be able to communicate with an information processing device external to the battery station 120. The communication interface 128 may support multiple communication methods. The communication interface 128 may support a wired communication method or a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the communication interface 128 sends and receives information to and from a communication terminal 42 used by a user 40. In another embodiment, the communication interface 128 sends and receives information to and from a management server 140.

[0044] In this embodiment, the management server 140 is disposed outside the battery station 120. The management server 140 can also send and receive information to and from the communication unit 126 of the battery station 120 via the communication network 14.

[0045] In this embodiment, the management server 140 manages one or more mobile batteries 20. For example, the management server 140 manages the status of each of the one or more mobile batteries 20. The management server 140 may manage the return and disbursement of each of the one or more mobile batteries 20. The management server 140 may send various requests for managing the mobile batteries 20 to at least one of the one or more battery stations 120.

[0046] The management server 140 may manage one or more battery stations 120. The management server 140 may manage the status of each of the one or more battery stations 120. Examples of the status of the battery station 120 include the supply status of external power, the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be accepted, the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be dispensed, the presence or absence of mobile batteries 20 that can be used as uninterruptible power supplies, the number of such mobile batteries 20 or their identification information, and the charging status of the mobile batteries 20. The management server 140 may transmit various requests for managing the battery station 120 to at least one of the one or more battery stations 120.

[0047] The management server 140 may determine dispensing conditions, which are conditions related to the mobile batteries 20 to be dispensed, for at least some of the one or more battery stations 120. Examples of dispensing conditions include the priority order for dispensing each of the multiple mobile batteries 20 housed in the battery station 120, identification information of the mobile batteries 20 to be preferentially dispensed, and characteristics of the mobile batteries 20 to be preferentially dispensed.

[0048] According to this embodiment, for example, a single battery station 120 may include multiple storage units 122 and a single communication unit 126. This clarifies user access points in the battery station 120, improving the user experience. For example, the user 40 can easily access the communication unit 126. The user 40's requirements for a user interface may change depending on the region and / or the time. According to this embodiment, for example, the storage units 122 and the communication unit 126 are arranged in different housings. This allows the operator of the battery station 120 to relatively easily meet the above requirements by adjusting or changing the communication unit 126, for example.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, for example, if one or more of the above processes includes an operation related to the safety of the mobile battery 20 or the safety of the user 40 or maintenance personnel of the battery station 120, the storage unit 122 determines whether the conditions for permitting the execution of the safety-related operation are met. This allows electrical safety, mechanical safety, and the like to be fully guaranteed even if the combination of the storage unit 122 and the communication unit 126 is changed due to a change in the communication unit 126, for example.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, an operation instruction is transmitted in the form of a command from the communication unit 126 to the storage unit 122. This clarifies the internal operation of the storage unit 122. As a result, manufacturing, test run, operation check, etc. of the battery station 120 may become easier.

[0051] The mobile battery 20 may be an example of an electric power device. The electric motorcycle 30 may be an example of an electric power device. The user 40 may be an example of a consumer. The communication terminal 42 may be an example of an external information processing device. The battery management system 100 may be an example of a storage device or a charging device. The battery station 120 may be an example of a storage device, a charging device, or an electric power device. The management server 140 may be an example of an external information processing device. The storage unit 122 may be an example of a first housing or an electric power device. The slot 124 may be an example of a storage section or an electric power device. The communication unit 126 may be an example of a second housing. The communication interface 128 may be an example of a communication section. The first command may be an example of a control signal.

[0052] (An example of another embodiment) In this embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 have been described using as an example a case where the battery management system 100 provides a sharing service for the mobile battery 20. However, the service provided by the battery management system 100 is not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the battery management system 100 may provide a charging service for the mobile battery 20 to a user 40 of the mobile battery 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, the details of the battery station 120 have been described using as an example a case where the battery station 120 operates using power received from the power grid 12. However, the battery station 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, for example, if at least one of the one or more slots 124 arranged in the battery station 120 is equipped with a bidirectional DC / DC converter, the battery station 120 may operate using power discharged from at least one of the one or more mobile batteries 20 stored in the battery station 120.

[0054] In this embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 have been described using as an example a case where the battery station 120 includes one or more storage units 122 and a single communication unit 126. However, the battery station 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the battery station 120 may include multiple storage units 122 and multiple communication units 126. In this case, the number of storage units 122 may be greater than the number of communication units 126.

[0055] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the mobile battery 20. In this embodiment, the mobile battery 20 includes a power connector 212, a communication connector 214, a power storage unit 220, a control unit 230, a sensing unit 240, and a storage unit 250.

[0056] In this embodiment, the power connector 212 includes an electrical terminal for transmitting and receiving power to and from the slot 124 or the electric motorcycle 30. In this embodiment, the communication connector 214 includes a communication terminal for transmitting and receiving information to and from the slot 124 or the electric motorcycle 30. In this embodiment, the power storage unit 220 includes a power storage cell that stores power.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control unit 230 controls the operation of the mobile battery 20. The control unit 230 may send and receive information to and from the storage unit 122 when the mobile battery 20 is stored in the slot 124.

[0058] In this embodiment, the sense unit 240 acquires information indicating the state of the mobile battery 20. The sense unit 240 may include multiple types of sensors. Examples of sensors included in the sense unit 240 include a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor.

[0059] The storage unit 250 stores various information related to the mobile battery 20. For example, the storage unit 250 stores identification information of the mobile battery 20. The storage unit 250 may store identification information of the electric motorcycle 30, the battery station 120, or the slot 124 electrically connected to the mobile battery 20. The storage unit 250 may store the operation history of the mobile battery 20. For example, the storage unit 250 associates time with the measurement results of the sense unit 240 and stores them as the operation history of the mobile battery 20.

[0060] The power connector 212 may be an example of a first terminal. The sense unit 240 may be an example of a status acquisition unit.

[0061] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of the battery station 120. In this embodiment, the battery station 120 includes one or more storage units 122, a communication unit 126, a communication line 310, an uninterruptible power supply 312, and a router 314. In this embodiment, each of the one or more storage units 122 includes a housing 320 and an on-board device 330. In this embodiment, the on-board device 330 includes one or more slots 124, a sensing unit 332, a setting storage unit 334, and a control unit 336. In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 includes a housing 360 and an on-board device 370. In this embodiment, the on-board device 370 includes a communication interface 128, a user interface 372, a user identification unit 374, and a control unit 376.

[0062] In this embodiment, the communication line 310 connects each of the one or more storage units 122 to the communication unit 126. In this embodiment, the uninterruptible power supply 312 is disposed between the power grid 12 and the communication unit 126. The uninterruptible power supply 312 supplies power to the communication unit 126, for example, in the event of an abnormality in the power supply from the power grid 12. In this embodiment, the router 314 relays and forwards communications between the communication unit 126 and the communication network 14.

[0063] In this embodiment, the housing 320 holds the mounted device 330. There are no particular limitations on the shape and material of the housing 320. The housing 320 may have a box-like shape, a plate-like shape, or a frame-like shape.

[0064] In this embodiment, the on-board device 330 is mounted on the housing 320. There are no particular limitations on the manner in which the on-board device 330 is mounted. The on-board device 330 may be housed inside the housing 320 or may be mounted on the surface of the housing 320.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sense unit 332 acquires information indicating the state of the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. The sense unit 332 may include multiple types of sensors. Examples of sensors included in the sense unit 240 include a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor.

[0066] In this embodiment, the setting storage unit 334 stores various settings related to the storage unit 122. The setting storage unit 334 may have a physical switch, or any type of storage medium such as a memory or a hard disk. The above settings may (i) be indicated by the ON / OFF state of a physical switch, or (ii) be stored in the storage medium as electronic data. Examples of the above settings include settings related to the ID of the storage unit 122, settings related to the installation location of the storage unit 122, and settings related to whether or not various operations in the storage unit 122 can be performed.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control unit 336 controls the operation of the storage unit 122. Examples of the operation include attaching or detaching the mobile battery 20 to or from the slot 124, charging or discharging the mobile battery 20, and the like.

[0068] In one embodiment, the control unit 336 controls the attachment and detachment of the mobile battery 20 to and from the slot 124. Examples of the above control include locking control of a shutter (not shown) arranged in the slot 124, control of a removal prevention member (not shown) arranged in the slot 124, control of a mechanism (not shown) for restraining the mobile battery 20 arranged in the slot 124, and control of a movable connector (not shown) arranged in the slot 124. The movable connector may be a mechanical connector or an electric connector.

[0069] In another embodiment, the control unit 336 controls charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Examples of the above control include checking the connection of the electrical terminals, adjusting the charging voltage, adjusting the charging current, adjusting the discharging voltage, adjusting the discharging current, etc. This allows the charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 via the electrical terminals to be controlled.

[0070] The control unit 336 may control the operation of the storage unit 122 based on a command received from the control unit 376. For example, the control unit 336 generates a process flow including one or more processes for controlling the operation of at least one of the multiple slots 124 based on a command received from the control unit 376. The control unit 336 determines whether each of the one or more processes is executable. The control unit 336 generates a command for a process determined to be executable and sends the command to the slot 124 to be controlled. On the other hand, the above command is not generated or sent for a process determined to be unexecutable.

[0071] The control unit 336 may transmit information indicating the result of the operation based on the command received from the control unit 376 to the control unit 376. For example, the control unit 336 transmits information to the control unit 376 indicating whether the storage unit 122 performed the operation in accordance with the command received from the control unit 376. The control unit 336 will be described in detail below.

[0072] In this embodiment, the housing 360 holds the mounted device 370. There are no particular limitations on the shape and material of the housing 360. The housing 360 may have a box-like shape, a plate-like shape, or a frame-like shape.

[0073] In this embodiment, the on-board device 370 is mounted on the housing 360. There are no particular limitations on the manner in which the on-board device 370 is mounted. The on-board device 370 may be housed inside the housing 360 or may be mounted on the surface of the housing 360.

[0074] In this embodiment, the user interface 372 provides various types of information to the user 40 who uses the battery station 120. The user interface 372 also accepts input from the user 40 who uses the battery station 120. Examples of the user interface 372 include a display, a speaker, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, a microphone, a camera, a voice input system, and a gesture input system.

[0075] In this embodiment, the user identification unit 374 identifies the user 40 who uses the battery station 120. A known method may be adopted as the method for identifying the user 40. For example, the user identification unit 374 identifies the user 40 by analyzing an image of the user 40 and performing authentication processing for the user 40. The user identification unit 374 may also identify the user 40 by performing authentication processing for the user 40 using an ID card held by the user 40. The user identification unit 374 may also identify the user 40 by performing authentication processing for the user 40 using a communication terminal 42 held by the user 40.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit 376 is responsible for information processing in the battery station 120 that involves at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140. For example, the control unit 376 receives a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 and responds to the request. When the control unit 376 determines that the storage unit 122 is necessary to process a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140, it sends a command (for example, the above-mentioned first command) to the storage unit 122.

[0077] If the control unit 376 can process requests from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 without cooperating with the storage unit 122, the control unit 376 does not need to send commands to the storage unit 122. The control unit 376 can perform, for example, communication control processing with the outside of the battery station 120, authentication processing for the user 40, and selection processing for the slot 124, without cooperating with the storage unit 122.

[0078] More specifically, when the control unit 376 receives a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140, the control unit 376 first generates a processing flow including one or more processes for processing the request. Next, the control unit 376 extracts, from the one or more processes, a process including processing in the storage unit 122. For each of the extracted processes, the control unit 376 generates a command indicating the content of the processing in the storage unit 122.

[0079] The above command may include information indicating the storage unit 122 to be controlled (sometimes referred to as the target unit). The above command may include information indicating the slot 124 to be controlled (sometimes referred to as the target slot). The above command may include identification information of the target slot and information indicating the content of the operation at the target slot.

[0080] The control unit 376 then transmits the command to the storage unit 122 that is the target of the command. The control unit 376 may obtain information indicating the execution result of the command from the storage unit 122 that received the command. The control unit 376 will be described in detail later.

[0081] The housing 320 may be an example of a first housing. The sense unit 332 may be an example of a status acquisition unit. The control unit 336 may be an example of a first control unit. The housing 360 may be an example of a second housing. The user interface 372 may be an example of an information providing unit or an input unit. The user identification unit 374 may be an example of an identification unit. The control unit 376 may be an example of a second control unit. The target slot may be an example of a detachable storage unit, a charging storage unit, or a determined charging unit.

[0082] 4 schematically illustrates another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120. In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is disposed in contact with one of the one or more storage units 122. This embodiment differs from the battery station 120 described in relation to FIG. 1 in that a portion of the housing 360 of the communication unit 126 and a portion of the housing 320 of the storage unit 122 are in contact with each other.

[0083] 5 schematically illustrates another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120. In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 and the storage unit 122 are held by a single holding member 510. In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is disposed between two storage units 122. The holding member 510 may have a box-like shape or a plate-like shape. This embodiment differs from the battery station 120 described in relation to FIG. 1 in that the appearance of the storage unit 122 and the communication unit 126, which are formed separately, appears to be integrally configured at first glance.

[0084] 6 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of the control unit 336 and the control unit 376. In this embodiment, the control unit 336 includes an abnormality detection unit 632, an attachment / detachment control unit 634, a charge / discharge control unit 636, and a command response unit 638. In this embodiment, the control unit 376 includes an attachment / detachment slot determination unit 674, a charge / discharge slot determination unit 676, and a command transmission unit 678. In this embodiment, the details of each unit of the control unit 376 will first be described along the flow of information processing in the battery station 120, and then the details of each unit of the control unit 336 will be described.

[0085] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment slot determination unit 674 determines, from among the plurality of slots 124, the slot 124 into which the mobile battery 20 is to be attached or detached. The attachment / detachment slot determination unit 674 may determine the slot 124 into which the mobile battery 20 is to be attached or detached based on a request or instruction from the management server 140.

[0086] In this embodiment, the charge / discharge slot determination unit 676 determines, from among the multiple slots 124, the slot 124 for charging or discharging the mobile battery 20. The charge / discharge slot determination unit 676 may determine the slot 124 for charging or discharging the mobile battery 20 based on a request or instruction from the management server 140.

[0087] In this embodiment, the command sending unit 678 sends a command for controlling the operation of the storage unit 122 to the control unit 336 of the storage unit 122 to be controlled. The command sending unit 678 may send a command including information indicating the slot 124 to be controlled (sometimes referred to as the target slot) to the control unit 336 of the storage unit 122 to be controlled.

[0088] In one embodiment, the command sending unit 678 sends the slot 124 determined by the attachment / detachment slot determining unit 674 as the target slot to the control unit 336. In another embodiment, the command sending unit 678 sends the slot 124 determined by the charge / discharge slot determining unit 676 as the target slot to the control unit 336.

[0089] In this embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires, for example, an abnormality in the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. The abnormality may be an abnormality related to the state or operation. For example, the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires the abnormality based on the state acquired by the sense unit 240 and the sense unit 332.

[0090] An example of the abnormality is when at least one of the temperature of the slot 124 and the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is within a predetermined range. Examples of when the temperature of the slot 124 is within the predetermined range include (i) when the temperature of the slot 124 is outside a predetermined numerical range (sometimes referred to as a normal temperature range of the slot 124), and (ii) when the temperature of the slot 124 is within a predetermined numerical range (sometimes referred to as an abnormal temperature range of the slot 124). Examples of when the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is within the predetermined numerical range (sometimes referred to as a normal temperature range of the mobile battery 20), and (ii) when the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is within a predetermined numerical range (sometimes referred to as an abnormal temperature range of the mobile battery 20).

[0091] Other examples of the above abnormality include detection of a foreign object entering slot 124, detection of the opening of the shutter of slot 124, detection of the opening of a door disposed in housing 320, and prohibition of driving of the movable connector disposed in slot 124. For example, if the door disposed in housing 320 is open, driving of the movable connector is prohibited.

[0092] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment control unit 634 controls the attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 to or from the slot 124. Examples of the above control include locking control of a shutter arranged in the slot 124, control of a removal prevention member arranged in the slot 124, control of a mechanism for restraining the mobile battery 20 arranged in the slot 124, control of a movable connector arranged in the slot 124, and the like.

[0093] In this embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 636 controls the charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Examples of the above control include checking the connection of the electrical terminals, adjusting the charging voltage, adjusting the charging current, adjusting the discharging voltage, adjusting the discharging current, etc.

[0094] In this embodiment, the command response unit 638 receives the command sent by the command sending unit 678. Based on the command, the command response unit 638 controls the operation of the storage unit 122. For example, based on the command, the command response unit 638 controls the operation of at least one slot 124.

[0095] The command response unit 638 may determine whether to perform an operation in response to a command from the command transmission unit 678. In one embodiment, if the abnormality detection unit 632 detects an abnormality, the command response unit 638 determines not to perform an operation in response to a command from the command transmission unit 678. In another embodiment, if the abnormality detection unit 632 does not detect an abnormality, the command response unit 638 determines to perform an operation in response to a command from the command transmission unit 678.

[0096] The command response unit 638 may transmit information indicating the results of the operations instructed by the commands from the command transmission unit 678 to the control unit 376. For example, the command response unit 638 transmits information to the control unit 376 indicating whether the storage unit 122 performed the operations in accordance with the commands received from the control unit 376. The command response unit 638 may also transmit information to the control unit 376 indicating whether the operations were not performed by the storage unit 122 in accordance with the commands received from the control unit 376. The command response unit 638 may transmit information to the control unit 376 indicating whether each of the one or more operations instructed by the commands received from the control unit 376 was performed.

[0097] In one embodiment, if the slot 124 determined as the target slot by the attachment / detachment slot determination unit 674 in the above command matches the slot 124 in which the abnormality detection unit 632 detected an abnormality, the command response unit 638 determines not to attach or detach the mobile battery 20 to or from the above slot 124. In addition, the command response unit 638 transmits to the control unit 376 (i) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 is prohibited from the specified slot 124, and / or (ii) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 cannot be performed from the specified slot 124.

[0098] According to the above embodiment, for example, the time difference between the detection of an abnormality and the selection of a slot 124 is extremely small, and even if the slot 124 in which an abnormality is detected is selected, the execution of attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 is aborted. This improves the safety of the battery station 120 compared to an embodiment in which, when the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires (sometimes referred to as detecting) an abnormality, the abnormality detection unit 632 notifies the control unit 376 in advance of the identification information of the slot 124 in which the abnormality is acquired.

[0099] In another embodiment, if the slot 124 determined as the target slot by the charge / discharge slot determination unit 676 in the above command matches the slot 124 in which the abnormality detection unit 632 detected an abnormality, the command response unit 638 determines not to charge or discharge the mobile battery 20 in the above slot 124. In addition, the command response unit 638 transmits to the control unit 376 (iii) information indicating that charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 in the specified slot 124 is prohibited, and / or (iv) information indicating that charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 in the specified slot 124 is not possible.

[0100] According to the above embodiment, for example, the time difference between the detection of an abnormality and the selection of a slot 124 is extremely small, and even if the slot 124 in which an abnormality is detected is selected, the charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 is stopped. This improves the safety of the battery station 120 compared to an embodiment in which, when the abnormality detection unit 632 detects an abnormality, the abnormality detection unit 632 notifies the control unit 376 in advance of the identification information of the slot 124 in which the abnormality is detected.

[0101] In yet another embodiment, the command response unit 638 determines whether to perform an operation in response to a command from the command transmission unit 678 based on the state of the storage unit 122, the slot 124, or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. The command response unit 638 may acquire information indicating the state of the storage unit 122, the slot 124, or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 from the sense unit 240 and the sense unit 332.

[0102] As described above, the command response unit 638 generates a processing flow including one or more processes for controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of slots 124 based on an instruction from the command transmission unit 678. The command response unit 638 determines whether or not each of the one or more processes can be executed.

[0103] For example, if the process includes an operation related to the safety of the mobile battery 20 or the safety of the user 40 or maintenance personnel of the battery station 120, the command response unit 638 determines whether the conditions for permitting the execution of the safety-related operation are met. If it is determined that the above conditions are met, the command response unit 638 determines that the process is executable. On the other hand, if it is determined that the above conditions are not met, the command response unit 638 determines that the process is not executable.

[0104] For example, for a process determined to be executable, the command response unit 638 generates a command to control the slot 124 that is the target of the process. The command response unit 638, via the control unit 336, transmits the generated command to the slot 124 that is the target of control, thereby controlling the operation of the slot 124.

[0105] For example, for a process determined to be unexecutable, the command response unit 638 does not generate a command to control the slot 124 targeted by the process. The command response unit 638 transmits to the control unit 376 information indicating that some processes related to the command are prohibited and / or information indicating that some processes related to the command cannot be executed.

[0106] The abnormality detection unit 632 may be an example of an abnormality acquisition unit. The command sent by the command sending unit 678 may be an example of a control signal. The temperature of the slot 124 being outside the normal range and / or the temperature of the slot 124 being within the abnormal range may be an example of the temperature of the storage unit being outside a predetermined first numerical range. The temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 being outside the normal range and / or the temperature of the mobile battery 20 being within the abnormal range may be an example of the temperature of the power storage device stored in the storage unit being outside a predetermined second numerical range.

[0107] (An example of another embodiment) In this embodiment, an example of the battery station 120 has been described using as an example a case where the control unit 376 generates a command based on a request or instruction from the management server 140 and transmits the command to the control unit 336. Specifically, an example of the battery station 120 has been described using as an example a case where (i) the attachment / detachment slot determination unit 674 determines the slot 124 to which the mobile battery 20 is to be attached or detached based on a request or instruction from the management server 140, and the command transmission unit 678 transmits a command to the command response unit 638, or (ii) the charge / discharge slot determination unit 676 determines the slot 124 to which the mobile battery 20 is to be charged or discharged based on a request or instruction from the management server 140, and the command transmission unit 678 transmits a command to the command response unit 638.

[0108] However, the battery station 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the control unit 376 may generate a command based on a request or instruction from the control unit 336 and transmit the command to the control unit 336.

[0109] 7 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of the on-board device 330. In this embodiment, for the purpose of simplifying the explanation, the details of the on-board device 330 will be explained using as an example a case where the slot 124 does not have the function of discharging the mobile battery 20. However, a person skilled in the art who has read the description of this specification will understand that the slot 124 can be modified to have a configuration that allows charging and discharging the mobile battery 20.

[0110] In this embodiment, the mounted equipment 330 includes one or more slots 124, a breaker 710, a power line 712, an AC / DC power supply 714, a distributor 716, a power line 718, a main control board 730, a communication hub 732, a communication line 734, a temperature adjustment unit 742, a buzzer 744, a sensor unit 746, and a maintenance door 748. In this embodiment, the slot 124 includes an AC / DC charger 760, a power connector 762, a slot control board 770, a communication connector 772, a drive unit 774, a shutter 776, a lock unit 778, a temperature adjustment unit 782, a status display unit 784, and a sensor unit 786.

[0111] In this embodiment, the breaker 710 receives power from the power grid 12. The breaker 710 supplies the power received from the power grid 12 to each of the AC / DC chargers 760 in one or more slots 124 via a power line 712. The breaker 710 supplies the power received from the power grid 12 to an AC / DC power supply 714. Examples of the breaker 710 include a circuit breaker and a residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection.

[0112] In this embodiment, the AC / DC power supply 714 functions as a power supply that supplies control power. For example, the AC / DC power supply 714 converts AC power received from the breaker 710 into DC power having an appropriate voltage. The AC / DC power supply 714 supplies the converted DC power to each slot control board 770 of one or more slots 124 via a distributor 716 and a power line 718. The AC / DC power supply 714 also supplies the converted DC power to the main control board 730.

[0113] In this embodiment, the main control board 730 controls the operation of each part of the storage unit 122. The main control board 730 is connected to the CPU board 820 via the communication line 310. The main control board 730 may function as the control unit 336. The main control board 730 may function as the control unit 336 in cooperation with the slot control board 770.

[0114] The main control board 730 transmits and receives information to and from each slot control board 770 of one or more slots 124 via a communication hub 732 and a communication line 734. The main control board 730 may control the operation of the temperature adjustment unit 742, the buzzer 744, the sensor unit 746, and the maintenance door 748. The main control board 730 may obtain information indicating the status of the temperature adjustment unit 742, the buzzer 744, the sensor unit 746, and the maintenance door 748.

[0115] For example, the main control board 730 acquires, from the sensing unit 746, information indicating the measurement results of the sensing unit 746. The main control board 730 also acquires, from the maintenance door 748, information indicating the open / closed state of the maintenance door 748.

[0116] In this embodiment, the temperature adjusting unit 742 adjusts the temperature inside the housing 320 of the storage unit 122. Examples of the temperature adjusting unit 742 include a fan and a water-cooled cooler.

[0117] In this embodiment, the buzzer 744 notifies the user 40 of the status of the storage unit 122. The buzzer 744 may output a warning sound. The buzzer 744 may output a warning designated by the main control board 730 from among a plurality of warning sounds with different warning patterns.

[0118] In this embodiment, the sense unit 746 acquires information indicating the state of the storage unit 122. The sense unit 746 may include multiple types of sensors. Examples of sensors included in the sense unit 746 include a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, and a leakage sensor. The sense unit 746 may constitute at least a part of the sense unit 332.

[0119] In this embodiment, the maintenance door 748 is disposed in an opening (not shown) of the housing 320, and is used by maintenance personnel for the battery station 120 to perform maintenance management of the battery station 120. The maintenance door 748 may output information indicating an open / closed state to the main control board 730. For example, when the maintenance door 748 is opened, the maintenance door 748 outputs a signal indicating that the maintenance door 748 is open.

[0120] In this embodiment, the AC / DC charger 760 charges the mobile battery 20 electrically connected to the power connector 762. The AC / DC charger 760 adjusts at least one of the voltage and current applied to the mobile battery 20 electrically connected to the power connector 762 in accordance with instructions from the slot control board 770.

[0121] In this embodiment, the power connector 762 includes an electrical terminal that is electrically connected to the power connector 212 of the mobile battery 20 when the mobile battery 20 is accommodated in the slot 124. In this embodiment, the power connector 762 is configured to be movable by a drive unit 774. Note that in other embodiments, the power connector 762 may be fixed inside the slot 124.

[0122] In this embodiment, the slot control board 770 controls the operation of each part of the slot 124. The slot control board 770 may control the operation of the slot 124 in accordance with instructions from the main control board 730. The slot control board 770 may function as the control unit 336. The slot control board 770 may function as the control unit 336 in cooperation with the main control board 730.

[0123] The slot control board 770 may send and receive information to and from the control unit 230 of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 via the communication connector 772. For example, the slot control board 770 can read information stored in the storage unit 250 of the mobile battery 20. In addition, the slot control board 770 can write information to the storage unit 250 of the mobile battery 20.

[0124] In this embodiment, the communication connector 772 includes a communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the communication connector 214 of the mobile battery 20 when the mobile battery 20 is accommodated in the slot 124. In this embodiment, the communication connector 772 is configured to be movable by a drive unit 774. Note that in other embodiments, the communication connector 772 may be fixed inside the slot 124.

[0125] In this embodiment, the drive unit 774 drives various movable members arranged in the slot 124. The drive unit 774 may drive the movable members in accordance with instructions from the slot control board 770. Examples of the movable members include the power connector 762, the communication connector 772, the shutter 776, the lock unit 778, a removal prevention member arranged in the slot 124, and a mechanism for restraining the mobile battery 20 arranged in the slot 124.

[0126] In this embodiment, the shutter 776 is disposed at the opening (not shown) of the slot 124 and controls whether the user 40 inserts the mobile battery 20. The shutter 776 may control opening and closing in accordance with instructions from the slot control board 770.

[0127] For example, when the shutter 776 is in the open state, the user 40 can insert the mobile battery 20 into the slot 124 or remove the mobile battery 20 from the slot 124. On the other hand, when the shutter 776 is in the closed state, the user 40 cannot insert the mobile battery 20 into the slot 124 or remove the mobile battery 20 from the slot 124.

[0128] In this embodiment, the lock unit 778 switches between the locked and unlocked states of the shutter 776. The lock unit 778 may switch between the locked and unlocked states of the shutter 776 in accordance with instructions from the slot control board 770.

[0129] In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit 782 adjusts the temperature inside the slot 124. In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit 782 may adjust the temperature inside the slot 124 in accordance with instructions from the slot control board 770. Examples of the temperature adjustment unit 782 include a fan and a water-cooled cooler.

[0130] In this embodiment, the status display unit 784 notifies the user 40 of the status of the slot 124. Examples of the status of the slot 124 include the presence or absence of the mobile battery 20, the presence or absence of an abnormality, etc. The status display unit 784 may notify the user 40 of the status of the slot 124 by, for example, a lighting pattern, blinking pattern, or display pattern designated by the slot control board 770 from among a plurality of lighting patterns, blinking patterns, or display patterns. Examples of the status display unit 784 include an LED, a display, etc.

[0131] In this embodiment, the sense unit 786 acquires information indicating the state of the slot 124. The sense unit 786 may include multiple types of sensors. Examples of sensors included in the sense unit 786 include a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor. For example, the sense unit 786 includes at least one of (i) a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the slot 124, the mobile battery 20, or the vicinity of the mobile battery 20, (ii) a voltage sensor that measures the voltage of the power connector 762, and (iii) a current sensor that measures the current flowing through the power connector 762. The sense unit 786 may constitute at least a part of the sense unit 332.

[0132] The main control board 730 may be an example of a first control unit. The sense unit 746 may be an example of a status acquisition unit. The power connector 762 may be an example of a second terminal. The slot control board 770 may be an example of a first control unit. The sense unit 786 may be an example of a status acquisition unit.

[0133] 8 shows an example of the internal configuration of the on-board device 370. In this embodiment, the on-board device 370 includes an AC / DC power supply 814, a service outlet 816, a CPU board 820, an Ethernet interface 830 that is an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication interface, an NFC reader 842, a camera 844, a touch panel 852, a display 854, and a speaker 856.

[0134] In this embodiment, the AC / DC power supply 814 functions as a power supply that supplies control power. The AC / DC power supply 814 receives power from the power grid 12, for example, via the uninterruptible power supply 312. The AC / DC power supply 814 converts the AC power received from the power grid 12 into DC power having an appropriate voltage. The AC / DC power supply 814 supplies the converted DC power to the CPU board 820.

[0135] In this embodiment, the power outlet 816 supplies power to a device external to the communication unit 126. An example of the external device is the router 314.

[0136] The service outlet 816 receives power from the power system 12, for example, via the uninterruptible power supply 312. The service outlet 816 may control the supply of power to external devices in accordance with instructions from the CPU board 820. The service outlet 816 may transmit information regarding the power supplied to the external devices to the CPU board 820.

[0137] The CPU board 820 controls the operation of each part of the communication unit 126. The CPU board 820 is connected to the main control board 730 via the communication line 310. The CPU board 820 may function as the control unit 376.

[0138] In this embodiment, the Ethernet interface 830 is connected to the communication network 14 via the router 314. The Ethernet interface 830 may function as the communication interface 128.

[0139] In this embodiment, the NFC reader 842 transmits and receives information to and from the communication terminal 42 via short-range wireless communication. The NFC reader 842 may function as the communication interface 128. The NFC reader 842 may function as the user identification unit 374.

[0140] In this embodiment, the camera 844 captures an image of the user 40. The camera 844 may function as a user interface 372. The camera 844 may function as a user identification unit 374.

[0141] In this embodiment, the touch panel 852 accepts touch input from the user 40. The touch panel 852 may function as the user interface 372. In this embodiment, the display 854 presents information to the user 40 by outputting an image. The display 854 may function as the user interface 372. In this embodiment, the speaker 856 presents information to the user 40 by outputting sound. The speaker 856 may function as the user interface 372.

[0142] The CPU board 820 may be an example of a second control unit. The Ethernet interface 830 may be an example of a communication unit. The NFC reader 842 may be an example of a communication unit or an identification unit. The camera 844 may be an example of an identification unit or an input unit. The touch panel 852 may be an example of an input unit. The display 854 may be an information providing unit. The speaker 856 may be an information providing unit.

[0143] An example of information processing in control unit 336 and control unit 376 described in relation to Figures 3 and 6 will be described using Figures 9, 10, and 11. Figure 9 shows an example of commands output by control unit 376. Figure 9 shows the name and content of each command.

[0144] 3 and 6, the control unit 336 controls the operation of each part of the storage unit 122 based on the content indicated by the command sent from the control unit 376. The control unit 336 also sends information to the control unit 376 indicating whether the operation indicated by the command has been executed.

[0145] In one embodiment, upon receiving a command from control unit 376, control unit 336 determines whether or not to execute the operation indicated by the command. Based on the result of the determination, control unit 336 transmits information indicating whether or not the operation indicated by the command has been executed to control unit 376.

[0146] In another embodiment, control unit 336 determines whether the operation indicated by the command has been executed based on the output of at least one of sense unit 746 and sense unit 786. Control unit 336 transmits information indicating whether the operation indicated by the command has been executed to control unit 376 based on the result of the determination.

[0147] Fig. 10 shows an example of a setting for whether or not a command can be executed when no abnormality (including a malfunction) is detected in the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Fig. 10 shows an example of a data table 1000 used for the above determination, taking as an example a case where whether or not each command can be executed is determined depending on the state of the slot 124 and the maintenance level or operation mode of the battery station 120. The data table 1000 is stored in the setting storage unit 334, for example.

[0148] 11 schematically shows an example of settings related to whether or not a command can be executed when an abnormality (including a malfunction) is detected in the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a data table 1100 used for the above determination, taking as an example a case where whether or not each command can be executed is determined depending on the state of the slot 124 and the maintenance level or operation mode of the battery station 120. The data table 1100 is stored in the setting storage unit 334, for example.

[0149] In data table 1000 and data table 1100, "Allow" indicates that execution of the command is permitted or possible. Similarly, "Ignore" indicates that execution of the command is prohibited or impossible. "Conditional" indicates that execution of the command is permitted or possible if a predetermined condition is met.

[0150] In this embodiment, the criteria for determining whether each command can be executed differs depending on the state of the slot 124. The "No Battery" column in data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether each command can be executed when the slot 124 does not store the mobile battery 20. The "Battery Stored (Locked)" column in data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether each command can be executed when the slot 124 stores the mobile battery 20.

[0151] In this embodiment, the criteria for determining whether each command can be executed differ depending on the maintenance level or operation mode of the battery station 120. The "Normal Operation" column in data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether each command can be executed when no maintenance work is being performed (i.e., when normal commercial operation is being performed). The "External Control" column in data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether each command can be executed when maintenance work is being performed with the maintenance door 748 closed. The "Control Prohibited" column in data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether each command can be executed when maintenance work is being performed with the maintenance door 748 open.

[0152] 10 and 11, in this embodiment, (i) commands that are meaningless considering the state of the storage unit 122, and (ii) commands whose execution should preferably be prohibited in advance considering safety, are "ignored." On the other hand, commands that can be safely executed considering the state of the storage unit 122 are "allowed."

[0153] As shown in FIG. 10 , for example, when maintenance work is being performed with the maintenance door 748 closed, even if the power connector 762 is inserted or removed from the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124, the worker can safely perform the maintenance work. Therefore, even in the case of “external control,” “CMD_PLUG_MOT” is “permitted.” Furthermore, for example, if a specific slot 124 does not store a mobile battery 20, a command to control charging in that specific slot 124 is likely to be meaningless. Therefore, if a specific slot 124 does not store a mobile battery 20, the “CMD_MPP_CHARGE” command for that specific slot 124 is “ignored.” Furthermore, for example, when maintenance work is being performed with the maintenance door 748 open, the command is generally “ignored” in consideration of the safety of the worker. Even in this case, commands related to devices with relatively low operating voltages, such as LEDs and displays, may be “permitted.”

[0154] In this embodiment, FIG. 11 illustrates the settings when an abnormality or failure occurs in the mobile battery 20 or the slot 124 during normal operation of the battery station 120. Therefore, in other embodiments, the settings regarding whether or not to execute commands may not include the "External Control" and "Control Prohibited" columns. As shown in FIG. 11, when an abnormality or failure occurs in the mobile battery 20 or the slot 124, commands related to the slot 124 associated with the abnormality or failure are generally "ignored." Even in this case, fan operation, memory read / write, memory erasure, and the like may be "permitted" under certain conditions. For example, if the detected abnormality is that the temperature of the mobile battery 20 is higher than a predetermined value, fan operation, memory read / write, memory erasure, and the like are permitted.

[0155] 12 shows an example of a computer 3000 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. At least a portion of the battery management system 100 may be realized by the computer 3000. For example, the control unit 230 or a portion thereof may be realized by the computer 3000. For example, the control unit 336 or a portion thereof may be realized by the computer 3000. For example, the control unit 376 or a portion thereof may be realized by the computer 3000.

[0156] A program installed on the computer 3000 can cause the computer 3000 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention or one or more "parts" of the apparatus, and / or to perform a process or steps of the process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a program can be executed by the CPU 3012 to cause the computer 3000 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0157] A computer 3000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 3012, a RAM 3014, a GPU 3016, and a display device 3018, which are interconnected by a host controller 3010. The computer 3000 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 3022, a hard disk drive 3024, a DVD-ROM drive 3026, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 3010 via an input / output controller 3020. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 3030 and a keyboard 3042, which are connected to the input / output controller 3020 via an input / output chip 3040.

[0158] The CPU 3012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 3030 and RAM 3014, thereby controlling each unit. The GPU 3016 acquires image data generated by the CPU 3012 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 3014 or into the GPU 3016 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 3018.

[0159] The communication interface 3022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 3024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 3012 in the computer 3000. The DVD-ROM drive 3026 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 3001 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 3024 via the RAM 3014. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0160] The ROM 3030 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 3000 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 3000. The input / output chip 3040 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 3020 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0161] The programs are provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 3001 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed in the hard disk drive 3024, RAM 3014, or ROM 3030, which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by the CPU 3012. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 3000, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing operations or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 3000.

[0162] For example, when communication is performed between computer 3000 and an external device, CPU 3012 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 3014 and instruct communication interface 3022 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of CPU 3012, communication interface 3022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in RAM 3014, hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM 3001, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0163] Furthermore, CPU 3012 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM drive 3026 (DVD-ROM 3001), IC card, etc. to be read into RAM 3014, and may perform various types of processing on the data on RAM 3014. CPU 3012 may then write back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0164] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 3012 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 3014, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 3014. The CPU 3012 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 3012 may search for an entry whose attribute value of the first attribute matches a specified condition from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0165] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 3000. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can also be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the above-described programs to the computer 3000 via the network.

[0166] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, matters described for a particular embodiment can be applied to other embodiments to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent. Furthermore, each component may have the same features as other components with the same name but different reference numerals. It is apparent from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0167] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 12 Power system, 14 Communication network, 20 Mobile battery, 30 Electric motorcycle, 40 User, 42 Communication terminal, 100 Battery management system, 120 Battery station, 122 Storage unit, 124 Slot, 126 Communication unit, 128 Communication interface, 140 Management server, 212 Power connector, 214 Communication connector, 220 Power storage unit, 230 Control unit, 240 Sense unit, 250 Storage unit, 310 Communication line, 312 Uninterruptible power supply, 314 Router, 320 Housing, 330 Mounted equipment, 332 Sense unit, 334 Setting storage unit, 336 Control unit, 360 Housing, 370 Mounted equipment, 372 User interface, 374 User identification unit, 376 Control unit, 510 Holding member, 632 Abnormality detection unit, 634 Detachment control unit, 636 Charge / discharge control unit, 638 Command response unit, 674 Attachment / detachment slot determination unit, 676 Charging / discharge slot determination unit, 678 Command transmission unit, 710 Breaker, 712 Power line, 714 AC / DC power supply, 716 Distributor, 718 Power line, 730 Main control board, 732 Communication hub, 734 Communication line, 742 Temperature control unit, 744 Buzzer, 746 Sensor unit, 748 Maintenance door, 760 AC / DC charger, 762 Power connector, 770 Slot control board, 772 Communication connector, 774 Drive unit, 776 Shutter, 778 Lock unit, 782 Temperature control unit, 784 Status display unit, 786 Sensor unit, 814 AC / DC power supply, 816 Service outlet, 820 CPU board, 830 Ethernet interface, 842 NFC reader, 844 Camera, 852 Touch panel, 854 display, 856 speaker, 1000 data table, 1100 data table, 3000 computer, 3001 DVD-ROM, 3010 host controller, 3012 CPU, 3014 RAM, 3016 GPU, 3018 display device, 3020 input / output controller, 3022 communication interface, 3024 hard disk drive, 3026 DVD-ROM drive, 3030 ROM, 3040 input / output chip, 3042 keyboard

Claims

1. A storage device that stores an electricity storage device that is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power, a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage devices; a second housing formed separately from the first housing and having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device; Equipped with the first housing further includes a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the power storage device to or from the storage unit; the second housing further includes a second control unit that determines, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit to which the power storage device is to be attached or detached, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as an attachment / detachment storage unit; the first control unit has an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality in the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit, When the storage unit determined as the detachable storage unit matches the storage unit in which the abnormality acquisition unit has acquired an abnormality, the first control unit transmits to the second control unit (i) information indicating that the storage unit is prohibited from attaching or detaching the power storage device, and / or (ii) information indicating that the storage unit cannot be attached or detached. Storage device.

2. the first housing further includes a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, the first control unit controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal; the second control unit determines a storage unit that will charge the power storage device from among the plurality of storage units, and transmits the determined storage unit as a charging storage unit to the first control unit; The storage device according to claim 1 .

3. A storage device for storing an electric storage device that is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power, a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage devices; a second housing formed separately from the first housing and having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device; Equipped with the first housing further includes a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the power storage device to or from the storage unit; the second housing further includes a second control unit that determines, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit to which the power storage device is to be attached or detached, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as an attachment / detachment storage unit; the first housing further includes a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, the first control unit controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal; the second control unit determines a storage unit that will charge the power storage device from among the plurality of storage units, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as a charging storage unit; the first control unit has an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality in the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit, When the storage unit determined as the charging storage unit matches the storage unit for which the abnormality acquisition unit has acquired an abnormality, the first control unit transmits to the second control unit (i) information indicating that charging of the power storage device in the storage unit is prohibited, and / or (ii) information indicating that charging of the power storage device in the storage unit is not possible. Storage device.

4. The first housing and the second housing are installed apart from each other. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first housing and the second housing are connected to each other by a communication line. The storage device according to claim 4.

6. A storage device for storing an electric storage device that is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power, a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage devices; a second housing formed separately from the first housing and having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device; Equipped with the second housing further includes an information providing unit that provides information to a user of the storage device; the user provides the power storage device stored in the storage unit of the first housing, and / or the user provides the power storage device to be stored in the storage unit of the first housing; Storage device.

7. The second housing further includes an identification unit that identifies a user of the storage device. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A storage device for storing an electric storage device that is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power, a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage devices; a second housing formed separately from the first housing and having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device; Equipped with the second housing further includes an input unit for receiving an input from a user of the storage device; the user provides the power storage device stored in the storage unit of the first housing, and / or the user provides the power storage device to be stored in the storage unit of the first housing; Storage device.

9. the first housing further includes a status acquisition unit that acquires a status of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit; the abnormality acquisition unit acquires the abnormality related to a state or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit. The storage device according to claim 1 or 3.

10. The abnormality includes at least one of the temperature of the storage unit and the temperature of the power storage device stored in the storage unit being within a predetermined range. The storage device according to claim 9.

11. A storage device for storing an electric storage device that is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power, a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage devices; a second housing formed separately from the first housing and having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device; Equipped with the first housing further includes a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the power storage device to or from the storage unit; the second housing further includes a second control unit that determines, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit to which the power storage device is to be attached or detached, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as an attachment / detachment storage unit; the first housing further includes a status acquisition unit that acquires a status of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit; The second control unit transmits a control signal to the first control unit to control an operation of the storage unit, the first control unit determines whether to execute an operation corresponding to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit based on the state of the storage unit or the power storage device acquired by the state acquisition unit; Storage device.

12. the second control unit transmits the control signal to the first control unit based on a request from the external information processing device; The storage device according to claim 11.

13. the first housing further includes an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality related to a state or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit; the first control unit determines not to execute an operation corresponding to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit when the abnormality acquisition unit acquires the abnormality. The storage device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The number of the second housings is less than the number of the first housings. A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A charging device that charges a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that uses electric power, (i) a first housing having a plurality of charging units each having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, and (ii) a first control unit that controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal; a second housing having (i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the charging device, and (ii) a second control unit that determines a charging unit that will charge the power storage device from among the plurality of charging units and transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as the determined charging unit; Equipped with the second housing is formed separately from the first housing, each of the plurality of charging units is capable of storing the power storage device; the first control unit has an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality of the charging unit or the power storage device stored in the charging unit, When the charging unit determined as the determined charging unit matches the charging unit for which the abnormality acquisition unit has acquired an abnormality, the first control unit transmits to the second control unit (i) information indicating that charging of the power storage device by the charging unit is prohibited, and / or (ii) information indicating that charging of the power storage device by the charging unit is not possible. Charging device.

16. A charging device that charges a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that uses electric power, comprising: (i) a first housing having a plurality of charging units each having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, and (ii) a first control unit that controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal; a second housing having (i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the charging device, and (ii) a second control unit that determines a charging unit that will charge the power storage device from among the plurality of charging units and transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as the determined charging unit; Equipped with the second housing is formed separately from the first housing, each of the plurality of charging units is capable of storing the power storage device; the second housing further includes an information providing unit that provides information to a user of the charging device; the user provides the power storage device stored in the charging unit included in the first housing, and / or provides the power storage device to be stored in the charging unit included in the first housing; Charging device.

17. A charging device that charges a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that uses electric power, comprising: (i) a first housing having a plurality of charging units each having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, and (ii) a first control unit that controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal; a second housing having (i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the charging device, and (ii) a second control unit that determines a charging unit that will charge the power storage device from among the plurality of charging units and transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as the determined charging unit; Equipped with the second housing is formed separately from the first housing, each of the plurality of charging units is capable of storing the power storage device; the second housing further includes an input unit that receives an input from a user of the charging device; the user provides the power storage device stored in the charging unit included in the first housing, and / or provides the power storage device to be stored in the charging unit included in the first housing; Charging device.

18. A charging device that charges a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that uses electric power, comprising: (i) a first housing having a plurality of charging units each having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, and (ii) a first control unit that controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal; a second housing having (i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device disposed outside the charging device, and (ii) a second control unit that determines a charging unit that will charge the power storage device from among the plurality of charging units and transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as the determined charging unit; Equipped with the second housing is formed separately from the first housing, each of the plurality of charging units is capable of storing the power storage device; the first housing further includes a status acquisition unit that acquires a status of the charging unit or the power storage device stored in the charging unit; the second control unit transmits a control signal for controlling an operation of the charging unit to the first control unit; the first control unit determines whether to execute an operation corresponding to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit, based on the state of the charging unit or the power storage device acquired by the state acquisition unit; Charging device.

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